Kari Berman 

Kari Berman is a seasoned attorney and strategic legal advisor with extensive experience guiding corporations, executives, and business leaders through complex employment and commercial legal challenges. With a career spanning Am Law 100 firms and boutique practices, she is recognized for her ability to translate intricate legal issues into practical, business-aligned solutions. Kari brings deep expertise in both employment counseling and employment litigation, helping clients proactively manage risk while protecting their organizational interests. 

Her approach is grounded in pragmatic problem-solving, cost efficiency, and strategic decision-making—allowing clients to navigate today’s complex regulatory environment with confidence. 

Employment Law Counseling + Preventive Guidance 

In addition to her significant litigation background, Kari provides comprehensive employment counseling to corporate clients, executives, and human resources teams across Minnesota and Wisconsin. She helps organizations build legally compliant, high-performing workplaces through: 

• Employment policy development and handbook drafting 
• Workplace investigations, training, and best-practice guidance 
• Executive compensation, employment agreements, and severance negotiations 
• Privacy, confidentiality, and data-related employment issues 
• Employment audits and risk assessments 
• Leave, absence, and accommodation policies 
• Hiring, discipline, and termination counseling 
• Employee/independent contractor classification 
• Harassment, discrimination, and workplace conduct review 
• Health and safety policy oversight

Kari’s strong litigation foundation enhances her preventive work—providing clients with insights into how employment issues evolve, escalate, and can be avoided. 

Litigation Experience 

Kari has successfully led and managed complex litigation across federal and state courts nationwide, including: 

• Class actions and multi-district proceedings 
• High-stakes employment litigation 
• Regulatory investigations 
• Multi-million-dollar toxic tort cases 
• Minnesota’s largest Ponzi scheme litigation

She is known for developing creative litigation strategies that minimize exposure and protect reputational risk while delivering favorable outcomes. 

Leadership, Mentorship + Operational Impact 

A respected mentor and team builder, Kari has guided junior attorneys and legal staff through challenging matters, fostering high performance, accountability, and continuous learning. Her leadership extends beyond individual cases—she has helped organizations strengthen legal operations, refine litigation processes, and implement strategic risk mitigation frameworks. 

Public Service + Community Engagement 

Kari has a long-standing commitment to public service. She has served on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities and Briggs & Morgan P.A., where she contributed to fiscal oversight, strategic planning, and community initiatives. Her civic involvement also includes appointments to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, reflecting her influence in public policy and governance. 

Credentials + Recognition 

Kari earned her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a B.A. in English Literature from Columbia University, Barnard College. She is admitted to the Minnesota Bar and the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. A recognized thought leader in appellate advocacy, legal writing, and litigation strategy, she has been featured in Attorney At Law Magazine and named a Rising Star in the legal profession. 

Practice Philosophy 

Kari’s clients rely on her for candid counsel, strategic insight, and steady leadership—whether in the conference room or the courtroom. She partners closely with executives, managers, and HR professionals to address employment challenges proactively and holistically, ensuring organizations remain compliant, resilient, and prepared for the evolving workplace landscape.